“For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.” 1 Pet. 2:20.
To carry out the spirit of the above passage requires much of the grace of God. Too few of us put in practice even the first part. When buffeted for our faults, we do not take it patiently; and yet, were we to do so, it would be no glory, for we should receive only what we deserve. Where, then, are the persons who, while conscious of having done the best they could do, bear with patience the buffetings they may receive for having so done? Alas! they are indeed few.
There is no point of Christian duty upon which the teachings of Christ and his apostles are plainer than upon this duty of returning good for evil, and love for hatred. It is one of the fundamental principles of the religion of Christ; and he who lacks it, lacks the very corner stone of Christian character.
In his sermon on the mount, Christ says: “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you. . . . For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect.” Matt. 5:43–48.
Consistency and common sense alike demand that Christians should carry out the above teachings. Suppose an unconverted man should be sharply reproved for his faults; we would hardly expect him to bear it patiently, much less if he be accused wrongfully. He professes nothing better. But the professor of religion says he is converted; he thanks God in the public congregation that religion makes men better; he claims he has found something about which his unconverted neighbor knows nothing, and urges him to seek the Saviour. Then how utterly inconsistent is it for him, when assailed with harsh language, buffeted for his faults, and made to suffer for his good deeds, to return evil for evil, and railing for railing, as did his unconverted neighbor.
It is no virtue to love those who love us; nor is it a proof of religion to return kind words for kind words: any unconverted man can do that, indeed, he could hardly help doing it; but to return good for evil, to love them that hate us, to bless them that curse us, and to pray for them that despitefully use us and persecute us,—these are the practical fruits of true religion.
My brother, my sister, have you such religion? Do you put in practice the Saviour’s teachings on this point? Can you return good for evil? Or are you standing in the way of sinners? Is your example such as to lead wicked men to say, “I am as good as he”?
God help us to come up to the Bible standard. Let us not say it is impossible, it cannot be done. It can be done; nay, it must be accomplished. At least we can keep hard feelings locked within our own bosoms, and daily, yes, hourly, take the matter to God in prayer until we gain the victory. Let us not be discouraged; for the blessed Saviour, “full of pity, love, and power,” stands ready to help us; and his promises are, “As thy days, so shall thy strength be.” “My grace is sufficient for thee.”
CHAS. C. LEWIS.
Early Indulgence of Fancy and Humor
FANCY and humor, early and constantly indulged, may expect an old age overrun with follies.
TO THE OFFICERS OF THE DAKOTA T. & M. SOCIETY.
By S. B. Whitney
DEAR BRETHREN: You have received the appeal made in behalf of the new German paper. This appeal should be regarded by us as having special force, for it would seem that the opening of the mission among the German-speaking people in our Territory has had its influence in leading those who have charge of the publishing work to venture upon this enterprise. And now we should feel our responsibility to do all we can to make it a success; and not only this, but to help to make the paper what it is designed to be, a vehicle of truth to hundreds and thousands who without it would never hear the truth, and thus increase its influence and usefulness by extending its circulation as far as possible. Its publication seems quite providential, for we had been feeling ever since our visit to the Russian Sabbath-keepers that we must have such a paper, or our work among this people would be greatly hindered. Now that we have such a paper, let us make the most of our opportunities, and show a zeal worthy of the cause we have espoused.
I would also appeal to the members of the tract society, as well as the officers, to do all they can to extend the circulation of this paper while it is young and needs special efforts in its behalf. Who will volunteer to canvass for it in the larger towns and German settlements in the Territory? Let any such persons report to me, stating the place or neighborhood they would prefer to operate in, so that the matter may be arranged without confusion. My P. O. address for the present is Canton, Lincoln Co. In the meantime let the directors and district secretaries do what they can to fill such openings, and report to me the result of their efforts; and let others do what they can in their own vicinities.
Dear brethren, let us all act in the fear of God, and with a sense of the Judgment before us, seeking God most earnestly for his guidance and assistance. S. B. WHITNEY.
Keep the Light Burning.—
In certain religious festivals of the Grecians, held in the evening, it was customary for the young men to run races on foot, and sometimes on horseback, holding in their hands torches or lamps, lighted at the sacrificial altar of the goddess in whose honor the festival was held; and only the youth who came out of the contest with his light unextinguished was esteemed the victor, and was greeted with the loud plaudits of the multitude. So the Christian carries with him through this world the light of grace divine, kindled at the altar of Jesus’ sacrifice; and he who keeps it brightly burning to the end of life’s great conflict shall be welcomed, like a conqueror, with the thundering applause of the heavenly host.
WHAT TO SECURE.
By W. E. Dawson
SECURE AN INCREASED ATTENDANCE AT YOUR SABBATH-SCHOOL.
“In union there is strength,” is a maxim that applies as well to the study of the Bible as to other matters. Thought kindles thought, and the interest of one awakens that of others. A large school, if properly conducted, is a strong school, and can carry into effect many plans, and supply itself with many helps, which would be unattainable to the school of small membership. The efficiency, then, of the entire school, depends in a great degree upon a large attendance. But the necessity of securing as large a membership as possible becomes still more apparent when we consider the school as composed of individuals, each one of whom may receive benefit from connection with the school, which can be derived by no other means.
The advantages of the Sabbath-school do not, like the free air, force themselves into every home whether welcome or not. The children must be brought to its light, or they will not be enlightened by its rays. You may have one of the best Sabbath-schools in the land, and the labors of its officers and teachers may be most efficient; yet if there are those who do not receive the benefit of these labors because no one has taken sufficient interest in their welfare to visit them and try to bring them within the sphere of its influence, your school is a failure in the very point where it might be most productive of good. Those who most need instruction in the word of God are usually the very ones who are indifferent to its importance.
Many families live at such a distance from the place of meeting that it is difficult for them to attend every Sabbath. Such need special encouragement. They should be made to feel not only that they need the Sabbath-school, but that the school needs them, and that their efforts to attend are appreciated.
W. E. Dawson.
WISCONSIN
Neillsville, Tent No. 8, Aug. 4.—We closed our meetings here last evening. Sixteen have signed the covenant, and three others are keeping the Sabbath. We hope for several more, who are convinced. We now move our tent eleven miles from here. Pray for our success. T. B. Snow. C. Holmes.
Sturgeon Bay, Tent No. 1, Aug. 6.—We have now been here nearly two weeks. The average attendance is about one hundred. The prejudice here was much stronger than we were at first aware of. The Sabbath question is now under consideration. A few seem to be interested. We can look for but small results here, and our stay will not be long. O. A. Olsen. E. G. Olsen.
Richland Center, Aug. 4.—We have labored under difficulties in presenting the truth here, because of infidelity, spiritism, and an opposing church; but the “cleansing of the sanctuary,” the law and the gospel, have been presented with freedom, unstopping prejudiced ears, and compelling even infidel lawyers to confess that we have the truth. We hope that the tide may turn in favor of the truth, and that the honest in heart may be induced to obey. S. S. Smith. Eli Osborn.
Rockton, Tent No. 4, Aug. 4.—We have been here about five weeks. Only a few have decided to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Several who are convinced that we have the Bible truth, hesitate to obey; yet we hope that some of these will accept the truth and try to live it out. We shall continue meetings about a week longer in a school-house two miles from Rockton, where there are several who are interested. We intend to move our tent about five or six miles from Rockton, where some seem to be anxious to hear the truth. We also design to keep up meetings in the above-mentioned school-house, and labor for those who are interested in the truth. May God help those who see their duty to do it. O. A. Johnson. Andrew Christiansen.
Maple Works and Dorchester.—Our meeting at Maple Works, July 26 and 27, was very encouraging. The house was well filled with Sabbath-keepers. Three loads came from six miles west of Neillsville, where Bro. Snow is holding a tent-meeting. These were all new in the faith, and it was a matter of rejoicing to hear their testimonies and witness their joy in receiving the truth. I have seldom enjoyed a better meeting than this.
Monday, the 28th, I visited Bro. Snow’s tent, and in the evening reviewed a discourse preached in opposition to us by a Methodist presiding elder. The next day I baptized thirteen who had accepted the truth as a result of the tent effort. Bro. Snow is doing a good work here. Eighteen have embraced the truth, and the interest is still good.
Aug. 1, I came to Dorchester. There are about twelve Sabbath-keepers here. They have a Sabbath-school and prayer-meetings. Four were baptized. I leave them much encouraged. Aug. 5. H. W. Decker.
Retreat and Victory, Tent No. 7.—Since our last report meetings have continued at Retreat with a fair interest. As harvesting has kept the people very busy, our congregations have been smaller than they would have been otherwise. On Sundays they have usually numbered from 200 to 250. A local Methodist preacher tried to get us involved in a discussion. He would tell us one story, and other parties another, until one of his preaching brethren brought him to the tent with witnesses to prove that he had made false statements. He had given out an appointment to speak the next Sunday on the “Christian Sabbath,” and we had announced a review; but after owning that he had told falsehoods, he told us to take up his appointment, and gave the same order in the Methodist church at Retreat, where he was to speak. The Lord worked out the matter for us much better than we could have done for ourselves.
We have had some good meetings with the Victory church. We think they will make renewed efforts in the cause. Last week we organized two Sabbath-schools. One has twenty members, the other twenty-five. They will have the class records and secretary’s books, and will take twenty copies of the Instructor. We think that to labor faithfully in the Sabbath-school work would be a great help to the church. Several have commenced keeping the Sabbath, and we think others will soon. Baptized three last Sabbath, and expect others will go forward when we return in a few weeks. We have taken down our tent, and expect to move to Chaseburg, Vernon Co., to-morrow. A. D. Olsen. Aug. 5. A. J. Breed.
NEW YORK.
South Rutland, Tent No. 3, Aug. 5.—The interest here is still excellent. Several have commenced to keep the Sabbath, and many others are very favorable. The sermon which was announced against us on the Sabbath question, did not come off; and without opposition, people have been slow in deciding. Eld. B. L. Whitney spent last Sabbath and first day with us. His help was much needed and very timely. We have now been here nearly six weeks, and will be obliged to remain two weeks longer, at least. M. H. Brown. C. C. Lewis.
Dryden, Aug. 6.—This place has nearly one thousand inhabitants. We have been here with the tent three weeks. Considerable prejudice existed when we came, but it is giving way. We have a good hearing, the people are kind, and our hopes are strong that much good will result from this effort. We shall soon present the Sabbath question, as many are already inquiring concerning it. Brethren, remember us, as we are inexperienced and need much heavenly wisdom. T. M. Lane. E. S. Lane.
Earlville, Tent No. 4, Aug. 6.—A report of our meetings at Georgetown was sent to the REVIEW several weeks since, but was miscarried. We left that place after laboring there about five weeks. The people were generally very friendly, but, with few exceptions, they seemed rather indifferent to the claims of God upon them. The busy season of the year occasioned irregularity in attendance on the part of those even who seemed to be interested; and we decided we had done all we could for them at present.
We commenced meetings here July 26. The attendance has not been large, yet there seems to be some interest. The people treat us kindly, and look after our wants. Favorable reports of our meetings are given in the papers.
Having visited Georgetown recently, we find that there are four who have decided to keep the Sabbath. One subscriber was obtained for the REVIEW, and three for the Instructor. For this we thank God and take courage. We shall visit them occasionally to encourage and help them what we can, and to labor for others who we trust will yet be constrained to obey the truth.
We hope our labors here will not be in vain. Shall remain as long as it may seem to be duty, and try to do them without excuse. We hope to be remembered in the prayers of God’s people. E. W. Whitney. J. Q. Foy.
MISSOURI
By J. G. Wood
Union Point.—We commenced meetings with this church Friday evening, Aug. 1, and continued till Sunday evening, holding in all six meetings. Thirteen took their stand to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. On Sunday we repaired to the water, where they followed their Lord in baptism. It was a solemn and impressive occasion. With the exception of two adults, these are children and youth of Sabbath-keeping parents. This fruit is in a great degree traceable to faithful labors in their Sabbath-school. Let others take courage. J. G. Wood.
WE WOULD NOT FORSAKE THEE.
By Sappho Wright
Our Heavenly Father, we would not forsake thee,
Or turn from the way we have started to go;
We would not forget the great debt that is due thee,
But strive with our might to repay that we owe.
Oh, let us be faithful, and turn every talent
To useful endeavor to further thy cause;
To seek to enlighten the many around us,
Who grope in the darkness and trample thy laws.
Oh, let us be patient, awaiting thy pleasure,
For in humble submission our own wills must be
To gain thine approval, and bring us thy blessing,
Securing that peace that comes only from thee.
We would not forget that thy laws are still binding,
And must be obeyed, would we enter that rest
Prepared for thy people, in thine holy mountain;
Oh, let us be there with the good and the blest!
Oh, help that we set not our hearts on earth's riches,
But strive for the treasures that fade not away,
And seek to show others the light and the fullness
Of truth, which will lead to the heavenly day.
We are certain that Jesus our king is soon coming
To gather his own to their heavenly home;
Oh, let us be ready, our lamps trimmed and burning,
As we say in our hearts, Come, Lord Jesus, Oh,
come.
SAPPHO WRIGHT.
Glen Sutton, P. Q.
DAKOTA
By S. B. Whitney
Sioux City, Aug. 4.—We are having some success. The harvest season has reduced our congregations materially, but ten or twelve have already decided to keep the Sabbath, and we hope for others. Have had two good Sabbath meetings, and last Sabbath a Sabbath-school in connection. Have had several temperance meetings in the tent, held principally by a Mr. Vinton from Wisconsin, who has been lecturing on temperance for a good many years all over the United States. A reform club has been organized, with a membership of about one hundred and fifty. Have also had a funeral in the tent, by request of the friends of the deceased, a little boy about eight years old. We remain here another week. S. B. WHITNEY.
TEXAS
By R. M. Kilgore
Denison and Savoy, July 30.—At the close of the meetings at Savoy, we laid by the tent for a short time. Visited the company at Denison during the week, and held two meetings. Organized a T. and M. society of twelve members; and others will unite soon. Also organized S. B., twenty-four adults joining in the tithing system. Some of these are not yet keeping the Sabbath. The friends here are growing in the truth.
Returned to Savoy and held meetings on Sabbath and Sunday. Organized a Sabbath-school of fifty members. At this meeting I found some keeping the Sabbath of whom I had no previous knowledge. We lost nothing, but gained some, by the recent debate.
R. M. KILGORE.
OHIO
By A. O. Burrill
Appleton, Aug. 4.—For three weeks we have been earnestly canvassing the law and Sabbath questions, and yet only a few have decided to obey; still our congregations are large, and all we have said does not seem to offend any one. Last Sabbath we observed as a fast day, and since then a little more light has been breaking in. Nearly all who come are members of some church. The ministers remain quiet. As we visit from house to house the people are very kind, and nearly all admit that we are right. We believe the Lord has a people here, and we are determined to persevere in our work.
A private letter from Waterford says, “Our cause is prospering finely.” And another from Corsica states as follows: “The articles in the Morrow Co. Sentinel last winter have been the means of bringing forth fruit. I hear from Carding of some who are about to keep the Sabbath. There are five more Sabbath-keepers here.”
There are many invitations for labor coming in, and we pray that the Lord may send forth more laborers. A. O. BURRILL.
ONTARIO
By John W. Moore; C. Black
Chatham. Aug. 7.—July 27, 28, held six meetings with our brethren at Strathroy, and baptized two. We also re-organized their Sabbath-school, and took some steps toward freeing our T. and M. society of its indebtedness. All covenanted anew to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and we left them encouraged, and with a disposition to work for the Master. Last evening, Aug. 6, we commenced our second course of lectures in the tent at Chatham. The attendance was much larger than heretofore. The truth is steadily gaining in this city. We desire the prayers of God's people.
John W. Moore.
C. Black.
KANSAS
I have lately visited Burlingame, Elm Creek, Elivon, and Empire. At Burlingame, Bro. G. H. Rogers was closing a series of lectures, with some encouragement. Bro. Rogers has labored faithfully there.
The other three places all needed assistance, which we tried to render as best we could. The Lord aided with his blessing, and some real progress was made. Satan has made strong efforts to hinder the progress of the work in some of our churches; but we trust the experience of the past will be a benefit in the future. We would say to all, Courage in the Lord; but that can grow and ripen only as we put away all our sins and draw near to him.
“Confess Him righteous in his just decrees;
Love what he loves, and let his pleasures please;
Die daily; from the touch of sin recede;
Then thou hast crowned him, and he reigns indeed.”
J. H. Cook.
July 30.
Burlingame, Aug. 3.—Have been engaged in meetings in this place since June 6. There has been a good interest during a portion of the time, but when we had introduced the Sabbath, and many were becoming interested, a bitter animosity arose among the churches, and the ministers advised the people to stay away. Since then only those who were convinced have attended. I shall not remain longer at present.
Three have signed the covenant, and taken a decided stand. May God keep them through faith unto salvation. Six others have agreed to keep the commandments. This whole community practically regard the law as abolished, and many are spiritualists. I desire to ask the prayers of God’s people for the little company who will try to hold up the standard of truth here.
G. H. Rogers.
MINNESOTA
By W. B. Hill; L. H. Ellis
Mankato, Aug. 7.—We have been here five weeks, and have given about fifty discourses. The stay-away argument has been used, in consequence of which our audiences have been small. Those who have attended have given good attention to the word spoken, and twelve have decided to obey. W. B. HILL. L. H. ELLIS.
Tennessee Lectures Begin at Neely's Bend
By G. K. Owen
Tennessee
Edgefield Junction, Aug. 1.—Commenced lectures last night in a school-house at Neely’s Bend, four miles from Edgefield Junction. The house was well filled with attentive listeners. Edgefield Junction will still be our address.
G. K. Owen.
CHRISTIANA, NORWAY.
By J. G. Matteson
The Lord has been very good to us. Our children and fellow-laborers have arrived from America. They have had a very pleasant journey, and are all well. They took passage in the steerage, and boarded themselves during their stay in New York and England, where they had to wait for the steamers, thus reducing expenses in every possible way, so that the entire cost for nine persons, with extra baggage and a large box of books, amounted to only $402.50. Through the influence of Bro. Boynton, in New York, they obtained a separate room in the steamer, and received very kind attention during the voyage.
The night when they were expected, my wife and self could not retire to sleep. About 12 o'clock we went to the harbor to look for them. (It is light here all night.) After a while we saw more than twenty of our friends also promenading and watching. We waited till six in the morning,—then we had a happy meeting. It was really touching to see the dear little souls who for more than two years had been separated from father and mother, and tried the life of orphans. We are truly thankful to the dear friends who so kindly have cared for them in our absence. But one was missing. Our oldest child did not come. She tarried behind. I bade her good-bye in America, but did not welcome her in Norway. Oh, what a loss! I miss her very much. And nothing can make up for this loss but the blessed hope. The Lifegiver will bring her with the many other dear friends who slumber silently in the cold, cold grave. Hail, happy day, that shall change our loss into gain, and our sorrows into everlasting joy!
The cause is onward in this place. Forty-two persons have now been baptized, and fifty-eight have united in church fellowship. There are more than a hundred besides these who are in harmony with us. We have preaching twice every Sunday, and on Wednesday evening and Sabbath forenoon. Nearly one hundred persons attend meeting on the Sabbath, and more than four hundred on Sunday. Last Sabbath afternoon we administered the ordinances. About fifty-eight brethren and sisters took part, and as many more were present and enjoyed the presence of the Lord with us.
Bro. Jasperson has gone to northern Jütland, Denmark, to labor five or six weeks. The truth is gaining ground there under Bro. Brorsen's labors. Several have commenced to keep the Sabbath, and some have been baptized. Pray for us, that God may sustain this work and save many souls.
J. G. MATTESON.
Osterhausgaden 12, Christiana, Norway, July 11.
J. L. COLLINS
By J. L. Collins; B. F. Richards
Palmyra, Tent No. 4, Aug. 4.—We have given fifty-four discourses, and still the interest remains good. There are between fifty and sixty persons here who believe that they can be saved only by keeping all of God's commandments. About twenty-five of them have decided to obey. We hope to see others join them soon. Each week we hold prayer-meetings from house to house, and the Lord in a special manner meets with us. Eld. M. B. Miller has made us a timely visit. We ask to be remembered in the prayers of God's people.
J. L. COLLINS
B. F. RICHARDS.
MICHIGAN
By W. H. Littlejohn
From July 25-28, I was with the church at Leighton. Our meetings were encouraging. We found the brethren, much to our satisfaction, occupying the commodious hall in the town of Wayland, instead of the school-house in the country near by, where they have formerly held their meetings. On the Sabbath the church was well represented; and on Sunday we had a very fair congregation, made up largely of those not of our faith. Two united with the church by letter.
July 29, I attended a Sabbath-school picnic, held on the shore of Miner's Lake, about three miles north of Allegan. The day was a delightful one, and the location well adapted to the purpose for which it was resorted to. The attendance was larger than could have been expected, and was made up of delegations from the churches of Otsego, Monterey, Leighton, and Allegan.
The Sabbath-school of the first-named place had at their service a passenger coach belonging to the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern R. R., which was well filled with the officers, teachers, and scholars of their school. Several boats on the lake, and a number of swings in the grove, occupied the attention of the teachers and scholars until noon, when they separated in groups to partake of the refreshments which they had provided for the occasion. After dinner they were addressed by the writer; and the balance of the afternoon having been spent in friendly converse, recreation, etc., all returned home at the approach of night, feeling that the day had been a good one, and grateful that no serious accident had happened.
W. H. LITTLEJOHN.
AN INCIDENT WITH A MORAL.
By S. S. Teacher
Dr. Trumbull, in The Sunday School Times, lately treated his readers to a racy sketch of a notable Sunday-school gathering that was held a little more than twenty years ago. We make an extract which is eminently suggestive, premising that the meeting referred to was held in Plymouth church in the city of Brooklyn.
“It was on the last evening of the convention that an incident occurred which is especially worthy of a recall. The Rev. Dr. Stephen H. Tyng, and the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher were announced as the chief speakers of the evening. The church was again crowded with attentive listeners. Dr. Tyng was late in arriving, and Mr. Beecher, who had planned to speak after him, was necessitated to take the lead. In his opening he magnified the mission of the Sunday-school teacher, saying that the longer he lived the more he valued those sermons preached where one man was the minister, and one man was the congregation—where the preaching was face to face, and eye to eye; where there could be no doubt about who was intended by the truth declared. But Mr. Beecher added the frank admission, that his own pulpit duties quite shut him out from an active participation in Sunday-school work, and that he was compelled to leave the care of the younger portion of his charge to the good teachers of his church school, while his energies were devoted to the older ones. Then he went on to emphasize the spirit which should actuate the Sunday-school teacher in his work. It was after Mr. Beecher’s opening remarks that Dr. Tyng came in, and took a seat upon the platform behind him. Of course he had not heard the first part of the address, but he listened attentively to the remainder. When he came forward to speak, the Doctor referred in highly eulogistic terms to him whom he followed. In his stately and graceful way he expressed his admiration of the genius and eloquence of the pastor of that church, which had now been displayed in the touching of every point of the circumference of the subject of the evening’s discourse, and had actually filled up the entire disc within, so as to leave literally nothing for one who should come after him, but to repeat in a less effective manner some truth which he had presented. Then Dr. Tyng proceeded to tell of his own appreciation of work for the young in contrast with work for the old. In all his ministry, he said, he had never hesitated, when the choice must be made between one child and two adults, to take the child. ‘It seems to me,’ said the Doctor, ‘that the devil would never ask anything more of a minister than to have him look upon his mission as chiefly to the grown-up members of his congregation, while somebody else was to look after the children.’ The pathos of this thrust at the confessed position of Mr. Beecher was instantly recognized by the audience, and a broad smile was on every face. Dr. Tyng saw that he had struck a responsive chord; and, having no idea of the true source of merriment, he followed up his advantage with his accustomed vigor. Pointing down to the entrance door before him, he hissed out his satirical sentences with that peculiar intensity of his: ‘I can see the devil standing at that door, and saying to the minister on this platform, “Now you just stand there and fire away at the old folks, and I’ll stand here and steal away the little ones—as the Indians catch ducks, swimming under them, catching them by the legs, and pulling them under.”’ By this time the whole audience was convulsed with laughter, and a serious face was hardly to be seen until the Doctor had finished his really eloquent address.”
Dr. Stephen H. Tyng and his noble church have made a record scarcely surpassed for purity and power in all the annals of American Christianity. As for the record of the other church and pastor referred to in the extract, we do not presume to pronounce a judgment, but we cannot for a moment doubt that if more attention had been given to the children, even though somewhat less had been bestowed upon the older members of the church and congregation, the public would have been spared some things that have made the ungodly wag their heads. We warn all pastors and churches to care first of all for the children of their charge, if they do not wish to come to grief.—S. S. Teacher.
NOTE FROM ELD. CHAFFEE.
By C. H. Chaffee
As I have done very little preaching for several months, I wish to say to the brethren that it has been chiefly on account of my health. But now my health is better than it has been for several years, for which I daily give thanks to the Giver of all good. I would further say that I am in harmony with S. D. Adventists on all points of present truth, and shall endeavor in a few days to commence filling some of the calls for preaching in Missouri. To this end I ask the prayers of God's people. C. H. CHAFFEE.
Bro. Stephen Reese writes from Pierce Co., Wis.—
My soul rejoices when I read, week by week, the precious truths contained in the REVIEW; and I welcome the precious little sheet, our German paper, with great joy. There is now no excuse for me or any one of our German brethren for not laboring in the vineyard of the Lord. I will do all I can to get subscribers for the Stimme der Wahrheit, and for the coming year I will take twenty copies, to distribute among my German friends. I intend to rent my farm, and devote my time to labor among my countrymen.
MICHIGAN H. AND T. SOCIETY.
By John Harvey Kellogg; E. P. Daniels
At a meeting held at Eaton Rapids, in connection with the camp-meeting, Aug. 4, for the promotion of the project of forming a State association to be known as the Health and Temperance Society of the State of Michigan, Dr. J. H. Kellogg presided. After the election of a secretary, the assembly listened to the reading of the constitution and by-laws of the National Association, and also to some very interesting remarks from Dr. Kellogg, offered in the interest of auxiliary associations to be formed hereafter.
Moved, That the constitution and by-laws be adopted by the assembly. Carried.
Moved, That a committee on nominations, consisting of three, be appointed by the Chair. Carried.
The following persons were appointed: W. C. White, S. H. King, and M. B. Miller.
During the absence of the committee the time was very profitably spent in asking and answering questions, concluding with a brief but pleasing description of the contemplated certificate of membership, now in the hands of the engraver, which is designed to illustrate the different stages of intemperance, from the moderate tippler to the confirmed inebriate.
A call being made for the report of the committee, the following names were respectfully submitted: For president, M. B. Miller; for secretary, Mrs. S. H. Lane. The report was adopted.
After some very interesting remarks by Dr. Kellogg, upon the propriety of putting into daily practice those principles upon which the present movement is founded, the assembly adjourned to call of Chair. J. H. KELLOGG, Chairman. E. P. DANIELS, Sec.
Mennonite and Icelandic Immigrants Arrive at New York
Our cosmopolitan population is increasing by arrivals of emigrants from the extremes of Europe. A few days since a party of 350 Mennonites from Southeastern Russia landed here, having a combined capital of $400,000. And last week 79 Icelanders, vigorous, healthy-looking, and intelligent, arrived, bound for Minnesota, where they are to form a colony. They are the first colony from that bleak and arctic region to come to our more hospitable shores. The missionaries at Castle Garden presented them with Bibles and Testaments in their own tongue. Would that all our prospective fellow-citizens believed and loved the Bible as firmly as do these latest importations!
ILLINOIS
By D. T. Bourdeau
Clifton, Aug. 5.—The unusually busy season with farmers at this place, and the opposition of the Catholic clergy, forbid our expecting ordinary success, yet we have had the privilege of speaking to a few French Roman Catholics and Protestants, and have satisfied our minds as to what could not be done at present; therefore we shall feel free to enter another field after camp-meeting. The Catholic priests are holding their jubilee earlier than usual, with the design of turning the people away from our meetings. Drunkenness and other sins of the deepest dye are left unrebuked by priests who treat as heretics those who would reform the people. Probably the best way to introduce the truth among them is by colportage and by consistent living on the part of our French brethren dwelling among them. The recent effort here has confirmed me in these convictions.
At Pittwood we have a church of forty members nearly thirty of whom have pledged to pay S. B. according to the Bible plan. We have a small T. and M. society, also a Sabbath-school in good running order, and prayer and Sabbath meetings. We shall try to encourage our brethren to attend camp-meeting.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
IOWA
By James Sawyer
Crawford Co.—Since the Dunlap camp-meeting most of my time has been employed in Crawford county. At the quarterly meeting at Denison two united with the church, the T. and M. society pledged to clear their debt before the first of next January, and the Sabbath-school was re-organized. Steps were taken to awaken more interest in the Sabbath-school and in the T. and M. work.
About three weeks have been spent near Dow City. Here a Sabbath-school numbering seven has been organized. Others will unite with this school. A club of the weekly Instructor is taken, and both old and young meet on the Sabbath to recite the lessons found in it.
I have visited from house to house, and obtained over thirty subscribers for our papers. These include Scandinavians, Germans, and Americans. Some are found who acknowledge that we have the truth, and they are interested in circulating our publications. A Danish friend joins our T. and M. society, so that he can have tracts to distribute.
The impressions received by some who attended the Dunlap camp-meeting will long be felt. One man past sixty years of age has since that meeting left the use of tobacco. A sister about fifty-eight years of age who abandoned the use of tea at the camp-meeting, speaks of the benefits she has derived from abstinence. One brother past sixty-five, who had used tobacco more than forty years, resolved at the camp-meeting to use it no longer. He has kept his resolution, and rejoices in the step taken, declaring that his appetite for tobacco is entirely gone. Bless God for the truth.
Aug. 3. JAMES SAWYER.
VERMONT
By C. W. Stone
Morrisville.—We closed our tent-meetings here July 27, having continued them six weeks. We had a good audience most of the time, and especially so the last week. At the close of the camp-meeting here last fall, quite a number were almost persuaded to accept the truth, and had the interest been followed up then, perhaps it would have been better. But an enemy sowed tares, and some were deceived, and some, not satisfied, waited for help. It required much patient labor to remove the errors of no-lawism.
The results of the meetings seem small, if judged by the number of those who have decided to obey. But these are individuals of real worth. One is a very intelligent lady, the wife of an eminent lawyer, who is also candidly studying the truth. This lady has been an active Christian worker. May the Lord bless her in upholding the light of truth. Another is a young man of twenty-three years, who has a good academic education, and rare mental talents. He has intended to enter a theological school this fall, principally to study Hebrew and Greek, preparatory to engaging in the ministry. On the last day of our meeting he took a firm stand to keep the Sabbath.
At the urgent request of the people of Elmore, who furnished teams and moved our tents and furniture, we are now presenting the truth in this place, four miles distant from Morrisville. Several persons had become interested by attending our meetings at Morrisville, and desired to hear further. The interest here is great. One young man living a mile away, a non-professor, working a little too late in the hay field on two occasions last week, hurried from the field to the meeting, taking his hired help with him, and leaving his dairy of nine cows to be milked after the meeting. He said the cows would wait for him, but the meeting would not. This is a farming community, and there is but a very small village. Our temporal wants are fully supplied by the kind-hearted people. May the Lord reward their interest by helping them to lay hold of the truth.
C. W. Stone.
OHIO SABBATH-SCHOOLS
By D. W. Reavis
DURING the last week we visited the Springfield, Dunkirk, Uniopolis, and Round Head schools. A full report of each of these schools will be given at our camp-meeting, as it will interest only those in this State in particular.